Background knowledge of specialised materials as appropriate to the research project and general knowledge of scientific methodology, such as that obtained by completion of a three-year degree followed by a one-year Honours degree or a four-year degree with Honours in Australia. In some circumstances, extensive work experience may be regarded as equivalent to a fourth year following a three-year degree.

Course Description

The course comprises research undertaken for a specific project (as specified in the project proposal) under supervision by academic staff, in particular the approved supervisors. Topics available include the use of biotechnology, molecular biology, microarraysgenomics and genomics and proteomics in food microbiology, clinical microbiology, virology, plant molecular biology, plant breeding, plant microbiology (pathogenesis and symbiosis), ecotoxicology, aquaculture, vaccines for human and animal disease,

Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

The course aims to contribute to the student’s learning with the aim of the student graduating as an independent practitioner in scientific research.

The student develops the capacity to plan and conduct research and to report it professionally for evaluation at a standard consistent with peer-refereed journals.

Overview of Learning Activities

The student prosecutes the research topic diligently and thoroughly by participating in research activities under the direction of the research supervisor. The student may also be required to complete a research methods course successfully.

Overview of Learning Resources

Students use current literature available through the Library.

Overview of Assessment

Students submit a thesis that integrates the research problem investigated, reviews the background literature, sets out a series of investigations (methods, results) and draws appropriate conclusions relative to the literature and the results obtained. This thesis must show sufficient quantity and quality for parts of it to be publishable in refereed scientific journals.